Lennon captained Celtic and Northern Ireland during his career as a player

Neil Lennon believes his Irish roots makes his appointment as Celtic manager all the more significant.

The Lurgan-born former Celtic captain was confirmed as manager last week after taking interim charge as caretaker at the end of the season.

"I'm very proud," Lennon told Celtic's television station, Channel 67.

"I know a lot of people back home will be very pleased and proud for me as well," said Lennon. "I want to make them as proud as I am."

In a series of question and answer sessions, Lennon will return to Ireland next month to meet Celtic supporters in Dublin and Lurgan.

I want to put a team out there that they can all admire and follow. Neil Lennon

The former Northern Ireland captain is all too aware of what the Glasgow club means in his homeland and appealed to fans to give him time to demonstrate his commitment to the role of manager.

"Growing up, you always want to make your family proud and that never leaves you as you grow older and I think I've achieved that," said Lennon.

"I want to put a team out there that they can all admire and follow.

"It takes a while and I've got to be patient. They've got to show a wee bit of patience with us as well, but I'm determined to do it."

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